Album Review: Sparkle*jets U.K. – Box of Letters

Despite their name, Sparkle*jets U.K. are from Southern California, not Leeds, Hull or Manchester. With that bit of housekeeping out of the way, let’s consider the latest release from the group, Box of Letters. You may recall that their previous album was a collection of covers, Best of Friends. And this new album opens with what seems like a leftover from that project, a Jellyfish-like reading of The Zombies classic “This Will Be Our Year.” It’s delightful, and would have been a highlight of the last record.

But from there it’s on to new material, the sort of thing for which the group is known and admired. “Goodbye X3” combines all of the band’s virtues: spirited, distinctive vocals, and a skillful combination nof power and finesse. Many have compared Sparkle*jets U.K. to ELO and Cheap Trick, and those touchstones are not at all off base. “Princess Needy” is a bouncy pop number that makes me think of The Hudson Brothers (always a good thing). “Love Burn” is a slinky rocker that’s largely free of retro textures.

“I Can;’t Wait for Summer,” on the other hand, is very Wondermints-ish, with an unmistakably SoCal vibe. It feels a lost gem from the Beach Boys (which is to say that it’ll remind you of the Explorers Club). “Little Circles” has sonorous, twangy guitar fills and a loping beat, plus some of the album’s best vocal harmonies – and that’s saying something. The title track is a delightful slice of energetic rock-pop.

“Where’s the Moment” is subtle AM Gold reminiscent of Ace’s “How Long.” And while it takes its title from a famous line from Jerry Maguire, “You Complete Me” is memorable, chirpy pop. “I’m Away form My Desk” scores points for amusing lyrics that will be familiar to many listeners. The tune feels like Gladhands crossed with Global-era Cowsills, which is a way of saying that it’s a delight. “One Two Tango” has some beefy guitar and appealing drumming.

The album ends as it began, with a cover. But the band’s reading of Moby Grape’s classic “Hey Grandma” is both wholly unexpected and supremely clever. In Sparkle*jets U.K.’s hands the tune takes on a different character. It more than justifies its existence; it won’t replace the original, but it’s original enough in execution as to be wholly worthwhile.

There are absolutely no weak moments on Box of Letters. The band plays with power and subtlety in equal measure. They sound like they’re having the time of their lives making this music, and chances are good that you’ll feel similarly when you listen.